We spoke to another top analyst who reckons that a 2020 release is still possible, but unlikely.

"We believe best case scenario Apple gets a 5G phone in late 2020 but likely now it’s looking like 2021," said Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities, speaking to The Sun.

"[Apple CEO Tim] Cook and Cupertino have missed the 5G boat and are now playing from behind the eight ball vs Samsung and other competitors.

"The Qualcomm situation has further exacerbated this situation which has poured salt on the wounds for Apple enthusiasts and investors waiting for a 5G catalyst."

The Sun also spoke to expert Ben Wood, who said that not having a 5G iPhone could be an issue down the line.

"Not having a 5G-capable iPhone in 2019 won’t be an issue for Apple," Ben, of CCS Insight, told us.

"There will be a negligible number of 5G-capable smartphones sold this year and at CCS Insight we are forecasting sales will be less than 10 million units.

"However, we are forecasting that the volume ramps up to over 200 million units in 2020, and this is where not having a 5G capable device could be a pain-point for Apple.”

"Given Apple never comments on future product plans, it is impossible to get a handle on whether it is going to have a 5G iPhone in 2020 or not. Although Intel remains adamant it will have a 5G solution, there is growing concern about when the fully commercial product will arrive.”

"It would be negative for the overall growth of 5G if Apple was unable to deliver a 5G iPhone in 2020.

"Operators are investing billions in rolling out 5G networks and they need all the leading smartphone makers to support them, particularly in markets like the UK where the iPhone is so popular."